Dental Implants
Top Implant Dentistry in Birmingham
Dental implants are a relatively new procedure and have changed what Dentists today can do now for patients with missing teeth. Instead of using bridges or partial dentures to replace missing teeth, a dental implant can be placed. The missing tooth will be replaced and back to its original look and feel, without the need to adjust or bother any of the adjacent teeth.
What is a Dental Implant?
An Implant is a really simple procedure, and is not as invasive as most people think. It is a titanium screw that is placed into the area of the missing teeth. After placement of the dental implant, it generally needs to be left alone for about four months for lower missing teeth and about six months for upper missing teeth. During this time, the bone around the dental implant becomes fused to the implant, so it almost acts as a root of a tooth. After the dental implant has become completely healed, next Dr. Curry can place the abutment and crown. Dr. Curry makes sure to place an abutment and crown that does not show that dreaded “metal line” at the top of the crown that so many people see on old crowns. The goal of the implant is to make it as natural looking as possible. After the crown is cemented onto the implant, you can eat, floss, and chew gum, etc, without worrying about it coming off or breaking.
One requirement before the placement of a dental implant would be having enough bone where the tooth is missing. Sometimes, a bone graft is required to be placed in order for this area to have enough bone to hold the implant in place. This can be determined via radiograph or simply by coming to Dr. Curry’s office for an evaluation.
What is a Complete Denture?
A Complete Denture is used in the patient’s mouth after all the original teeth have been lost or extracted, and the gum tissue has completely healed. Healing takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending upon the patient.
In some cases, an Immediate Complete Denture will be given and delivered to the patient the day the extractions take place, so that the patient does not have to go without his or her teeth. This immediate form of complete denture may require some follow up adjustment appointments in order for the denture to fit better to your mouth, mainly because the gums will change and move after teeth are extracted.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
We're accepting new patients from Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights, and the surrounding area. We work with most major dental insurance plans, and our front desk verifies your benefits before your visit so you know what's covered. For treatments that aren't fully covered or for patients without dental insurance, we offer transparent estimates upfront. No surprises.
Call or schedule online to book your first visit. New-patient appointments include a comprehensive exam, the X-rays we need to see what's going on, a cleaning where appropriate, and time to talk through anything you'd like to plan for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dental implant?
A dental implant is a titanium screw placed where a tooth is missing. As it heals, the surrounding bone fuses to it so it acts much like a natural tooth root. Dr. Curry then attaches an abutment and a custom crown on top to restore the tooth’s original look and feel.
Is getting an implant a difficult procedure?
No. Placing an implant is a relatively simple procedure and far less invasive than most people expect, often more comfortable than a tooth extraction. It also replaces the missing tooth without grinding down or affecting the neighboring teeth, the way a bridge requires. Dr. Curry reviews what to expect beforehand.
How long does the implant process take?
After the implant is placed, it’s generally left to heal for about four months for a lower tooth and about six months for an upper tooth, so the bone can fully fuse to it. Once healed, Dr. Curry attaches the abutment and crown to complete your new tooth.
Am I a candidate for a dental implant?
The main requirement is having enough healthy bone where the tooth is missing. If bone is lacking, a bone graft is sometimes done first to build a solid base. Dr. Curry can determine whether you’re a candidate with a radiograph or an in-office evaluation. Most healthy adults qualify.
Will my implant look natural?
That’s the goal. Dr. Curry places an abutment and custom crown designed to avoid the dark metal line seen at the gumline of many older crowns. Once cemented, your implant lets you eat, floss, and chew normally, and it blends in so well that it looks and feels like a natural tooth.
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